UFC officials announced the development on Friday, revealing
that Chris
Camozzi will now face Souza in Philippou’s stead. Camozzi’s
original opponent, Rafael Natal,
now squares off with Octagon newcomer Joao
Zeferino. UFC on FX 8 takes place May 18 at Arena Jaragua in
Jaragua do Sul, Brazil, and is headlined by a middleweight showdown
between former UFC champion Vitor Belfort
and ex-Strikeforce titlist Luke
Rockhold.

Camozzi, 26, initially found his way onto the UFC on FX 8 bill
opposite Cezar
Ferreira as an injury replacement for C.B. Dollaway
but was later paired with Natal after Ferreira also withdrew due to
injury. A 24-fight pro, Camozzi currently rides a four-fight
winning streak and was last seen on March 16, when he took a split
decision victory over Nick Ring at UFC
158.

Souza, 33, makes his UFC debut having won seven of his last eight.
“Jacare” captured the Strikeforce middleweight crown in 2010 but
lost the belt to Rockhold the following year. Since that defeat,
the Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace has finished three straight opponents,
most recently tapping UFC vet Ed Herman with a
kimura on Jan. 12.